Influence

[Melalvai]

Several months ago a former friend joked "If only you'd use your powers for good not evil."
I haven't converted anyone into a cyclist yet. I have an undergrad working with me in the lab, who is crazy about her chinchillas. They are just about the cutest pet in the world. She's always buying junk for them. I keep telling her over and over "cut up your credit card" and buy their presents with cash. Then one day she did!

She kept saying she just wanted to keep the credit card in case one of the chinchillas got sick, to pay vet bills with. I kept telling her "put some money in savings for future vet bills" but she insisted she'd never be able to save money; if she knew she had money she'd spend it.

Yesterday she opened a savings account.

If I could choose I'd have chosen to influence her into cycling over good fiscal practices, because then I'd have a riding partner, but I'm glad I had a good influence on her for something. And warmer weather is coming, she might feel the call of the Katy Trail in the spring!

[Wahine]

When my Mom was in the hospital recovering from major surgery I came back to Edmonton to stay with her. I brought some cards that my Coach had made up with my Ironman finishing photo and an inspirational quote inside. Mom had it on her bulletin board.

She got discharged from the hospital and then ended up being readmitted later. By this time I was back home. But a nurse that she had the first time around came in to see her. She wanted to tell my Mom that I had inspired her to get back into exercise. Someone I don't even know and I helped to change their attitude. You never know what influence you might be having on someone. All the more reason to lead a good life.

[Mr. Bloom]

Our company has 5 executive officers. After I started my healthy kick last yr, another joined in and lost 40 pounds. Then, our CFO started diet and exercise and lost 80 pounds.

So: 25+40+80=145 pounds

So, just among our Exec Team, we've lost the equivalent of one Back Street Boy!

[OakLeaf]

we've lost the equivalent of one Back Street Boy!

Wow, that's great, only three more to go

[tulip]

At my old job, I did inspire several folks to ride their bikes to work. One in particular lived 12 miles away, so that was a big step for her (the others lived close by, but it was still great that they decided to ride).

I heard of an interesting way to keep a credit card for emergencies, while keeping it out of temptation's reach. Put it in a tupperware container and fill the container with water. Put the whole thing in the freezer. If there is an emergency, you can thaw it out and use it, but it sure cuts down on impulse buys.

[Melalvai]

I have a follow-up on this influence story.

My student (Dana) cut up her credit card, paid it off, and opened a savings account. She told her mom it was because of me. Her mom said "Tell her thank you from me."

Her mom refuses to get a mammogram, despite that HER mom had breast cancer, and that Dana & I are doing breast cancer research! Dana & I have tried all kinds of tactics--"Early detection is the best prevention. What good is what we're doing if you won't even get a mammogram? How does it look for Dana's career?"

I replied, "Tell your mom she can thank me by getting a mammogram."

Yesterday Dana said, "My mom scheduled her mammogram, because of you."

[Cindyloo]

You've got some majorly good vibes/karma/blessings coming your way! Way to go, M.